Information About Gillian - Stirling teacher - (33 reviews)
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References
This is how 2 referees rated Gillian:
Reliability
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Instruments Taught
Gillian offers a discount of 50% on their first / introductory lesson!
Piano |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £33.00 |
| Intermediate | £33.00 |
| Advanced | £35.00 |
| Casual | £33.00 |
Flute |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £33.00 |
| Intermediate | £33.00 |
| Advanced | £35.00 |
| Expert | £35.00 |
| Casual | £33.00 |
Clarinet |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £33.00 |
| Intermediate | £33.00 |
| Advanced | £35.00 |
| Expert | £35.00 |
| Casual | £33.00 |
Saxophone |
Hourly Fee |
| Beginner | £33.00 |
| Intermediate | £33.00 |
| Advanced | £35.00 |
| Expert | £35.00 |
| Casual | £33.00 |
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Personal Description:
I have been teaching for many years, but until lockdown I had only taught in person. Lockdown has opened up a new way for teaching online. I am happy to teach in person in a safe way, and also online. I am a member of a small group called the Elastic Band. In my younger years I played in the Birmingham Schools Wind Band and the Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra. I am mainly trained in Classical music but I also enjoy other types of music.
Tutoring Experience:
I have taught clarinet, flute, saxophone for over 30 years from beginner to Grade 8 Associated Board exams. I have taken my pupils through their grade 5 theory in order to progress through to their grade 6. I have over the years had piano pupils as well and have recently taken a pupil through Grade 6. I have also taught those who want to enjoy playing an instrument for fun without the pressure of exams.
I mainly teach during the week in the daytime and some evenings.
Tutoring Approach:
I think music is important for the wellbeing of the person. It is important to enjoy learning to play your chosen instrument and I do think it is important to want to do well but it is also important to accept limitations too. I think it is important to be exposed to different styles of music even if your preference is for one particular style.
Tutor Resources: (free to download)
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Native Language: English (British)
Availability: Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Availability: Weekdays (all times)
References Available: Yes (✔ On File)
Qualifications:
- Napier College of Commerce and Technology, Sighthill, Edinburgh (1978) - LTCL (Clarinet teaching) (Other) (✔ On File)
Gillian's Feedback
| Total Amount Of Feedback: | 33 |
| Total Positive Feedback: | |
| Total Other Feedback: (not shown) | 1 |
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your feedback Ian. You are very musical and perceptive. It is encouraging to see you develop in the various areas which you have been working on. Well done, and I am sure you will continue to progress.
From Ragul (/5): as an adult learner with no prior musical experience, it was a bit intimidating to start learning the clarinet. Gillian made the learning experience very enjoyable and impactful, she is very patient and catches on minor adjustments that could be done to improve your playing. I hope to learn more with Gillian as we progress, and I have hopes that I can be better in the future.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouraging comments Ragul. You are a keen learner, and I know you will continue to make progress.
From Iona (/5): Gillian is an excellent tutor, very thorough and knowledgeable. I have really been enjoying my flute lessons. Even in a few weeks, I feel as though I have improved a lot with Gillian’s guidance.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouragement Iona. I am glad you are enjoying your lessons and finding them helpful. I am quite sure your desire of taking your Grade 1 this year will be a reality. Keep up the good work.
From Geoff (/5): As an adult learner on the ABRSM path for the piano, Gillian has proven to be an incredible teacher. In my experience, a good teacher isn't just knowledgeable (which she is), but they are also someone who creates a safe and enjoyable space for learning to occur. Learning an instrument is such a lengthy process that it's important the teacher possess those intangible qualities. Thankfully, Gillian has them.
Our weekly lessons are hard, but fun. She is patient when I make errors, and brings a lightness and good humour to the practice. She introduced me to exercise books that I hadn't even heard of, and I feel confident each week in following our plan. She also makes herself accessible, and more than once has gone out of her way to help me resolve a piano problem outside the lesson. I feel like every week I'm improving, that she knows just how much to push me, and the piano has become such a rewarding hobby. Highly recommended as a piano teacher!
Update 6/5/23:
Since I first began with Gillian a little over 2 years ago, we have went on a wonderful journey!
After a year, I managed to pass the Grade 1 exam with distinction. A year later, I came out with a merit in the Grade 3 exam. Much of this is due to Gillian's skill and character as a teacher. Lessons with her form some of my favourite times of the week. I look forward to tackling the Grade 5 exam next, and continuing with her on this delightful piano journey.
Through such an extended period together, I can even more strongly recommend her to those looking for an excellent teacher :)
Our weekly lessons are hard, but fun. She is patient when I make errors, and brings a lightness and good humour to the practice. She introduced me to exercise books that I hadn't even heard of, and I feel confident each week in following our plan. She also makes herself accessible, and more than once has gone out of her way to help me resolve a piano problem outside the lesson. I feel like every week I'm improving, that she knows just how much to push me, and the piano has become such a rewarding hobby. Highly recommended as a piano teacher!
Update 6/5/23:
Since I first began with Gillian a little over 2 years ago, we have went on a wonderful journey!
After a year, I managed to pass the Grade 1 exam with distinction. A year later, I came out with a merit in the Grade 3 exam. Much of this is due to Gillian's skill and character as a teacher. Lessons with her form some of my favourite times of the week. I look forward to tackling the Grade 5 exam next, and continuing with her on this delightful piano journey.
Through such an extended period together, I can even more strongly recommend her to those looking for an excellent teacher :)
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Geoff. I think lessons are always a partnership between student and teacher. I learn things from you as well as you from me. I look forward to the journey ahead and to continue seeing you progress, and blossoming as you discover more about music. Keep up the good work.
From Juliet (/5): Gillian is a highly experienced teacher, who knows exactly how to help you improve. From the very first lesson, she will guide you how to approach a piece of music to make it sound more authoritative and substantial. Coming to this as an adult learner her style works well for me. She gets the balance just right. She pays close attention and misses nothing, but she is kind and compassionate too. I can't rate her highly enough.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your kind words, Juliet. I am glad you have found my teaching style helpful.
From Simon (/5): Gillian is brilliant, really good with Katie who is loving her lessons. Highly recommended.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you so much. Katie is a pleasure to teach. It is also a great encouragement to me how you have embraced learning along with her.
From Alison (/5): I can see Gillian is an experienced tutor even though my daughter just attended one online lesson with her. However, my daughter decided not to continue because of personal preference on style of learning.
Reply from: Gillian: I am sorry I didn’t have more opportunity to work with your daughter. I do wish her all the best.
From Una (/5): Gillian has understood my learning needs as an adult with no music theory knowledge. She is a positive and patient perfectionist who notices what needs to change and where to start the path to improvement.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouraging comments Una. You are right in that I do strive for perfection, but know that it isn't always going be possible. These are the words of James Galway a famous flautist "Practice makes proficient, not perfect".
From Sam (/5): Gillian has been a truly fantastic teacher, and it has been a pleasure to be taught by her. I am a complete beginner to piano, but she has got me off to a great start, and I have made great progress because of her. She is firm when she needs to be, and really pushes me to play and learn to my best.
I genuinely look forward to each lesson with her, and for an adult learner such as myself, she is also great company.
Thank you Gillian!
I genuinely look forward to each lesson with her, and for an adult learner such as myself, she is also great company.
Thank you Gillian!
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your feedback Sam. I am glad you like my company as well as learning to play the piano, as it does make a difference to how a student learns.
Gillian
Gillian
From Madeleine (/5): Gillian is currently teaching my two lively children age 5 and 8, one of whom has additional support needs. She is extremely patient, encouraging and is teaching them good technique as well as how to read music. They are making fantastic progress already.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for the positive feedback. They are lovely lively children, and as you say, are making good progress. Thank you too for your much needed support.
From Jay (/5): Gillian is patient with my 5 year old who has not yet started school and supportive of her lack of confidence, yet Gillian still pushes her to try. Flexible lesson times and understanding when we have had to change times. Good structure to lesson with clear learning goals aimed at appropriate level for age and there has been clear progress. Overall I am very pleased with this tutor and would very much recommend her.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Jay for your kind comments. Progress is being made because of team work, with the help and support you give, which, I think, is essential at your daughters age.
From Manj (/5): I was fortunate to find Gillian to help my son (10 years) with his Grade 1 and 2 clarinet. Gillian is nothing short of excellent; always polite, on time and has vast experience to know how to get the best out of a learner. Having online lessons have proved very worthwhile.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for the positive and encouraging feedback. It is a great pleasure teaching your son who is very keen to learn, and is making very good progress.
From Anya (/5): We have just started with Gillian to tutor my daughter who had got to about Grade 6 when previous lessons fizzled out. She has taken time to make sure we tried the technology for online lessons, has looked at the music we had and made suggestions for further music books and has examined the syllabi for both ABSRM and Trinity to judge what might be best. My daughter has found her approachable and “a good teacher” which, from a 14 year old, is high praise!
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouraging comments. I am sure your daughter, Eleanor, will make a fine musician. She is willing to learn and that makes such a difference when trying to help people on their journey.
From Jamie (/5): Gillian has taken me (an adult learner) from complete beginner to achieving a Distinction at Grade 1 after a year of piano tuition. Gillian has adapted well to the COVID pandemic offering lessons 'virtually'. Prior to this, she was very adaptable to any changes that needed to be made to lesson timings. During lessons, Gillian is happy to make use of resources/music that you bring as well as suggesting or providing her own for you to use. When you are performing for her, she focuses on the smaller details in pieces in order to push you to achieve better musical expression. If classical training through the ABRSM syllabus is what you are looking for, Gillian is a excellent choice.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Jamie for your lovely comments. It looks like your vision of just being able to play songs on the piano has been expanded to playing a variety of styles. Keep up the good work.
From Caroline (/5): Gillian is firm, but don’t be put off ! She is so friendly, very patient, good fun, encouraging and extremely flexible when having to rearrange lessons.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Caroline. It is encouraging to know that you want to continue to have piano lessons from me, even though your daughter didn’t continue with hers. You are a pleasure to teach, and the flexibility suits both of us, and you are keen to learn.
From Mhairi (/5): Gillian has immensely helped me to improve all aspects of my playing and understanding of music. She pushes me to play pieces to the best of my ability without making them less enjoyable, and makes sure I anyways pick up on the finer details so that I can take my playing to the next level. Lessons with her are always really enjoyable and rewarding!
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your encouraging comments. It is a pleasure to teach you and you are very responsive to the comments I make, which is why you have progressed so much.
From Sandy (/5): A brilliant teacher. When I first started I wasn't able to make any sort of nice sound from the saxaphone. After a couple of months I can now read music and play a number of different songs. The lessons have been at a good pace and I have really enjoyed learning something new.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Sandy. You are the one who has done the work to make that progress, despite the instrument misbehaving at times. Keep up the good work.
From Annette (/5): Excellent tuition and tutor is very patient. Would strongly recommend.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much Annette. The patience works both ways. You are patient with me too.
From Colette (/5): I have only had 2 lessons with Gillian and I have found her to be extremely patient, as I an an older student. I was very nervous with my first lesson, but Gillian put me at ease instantly, when I contacted her to arrange a lesson she told me she had limited spaces, so what does that tell you, to me it says that she's the best, with the patient of a Saint.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your kind comments Colette. I hope you continue to enjoy the lessons as you put in the work.
From Brenda (/5): I have now had three piano lessons. I am a compleye beginner. Gillian has encouraged and challenged me each week. She is an excellent tutor and the time spent at the lesson is very productive. I have no hesitation in recommending her.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your kind, encouraging comments Brenda. You are a keen learner, keep it up.
From Dawn (/5): I have only had 3 lessons but I am thoroughly enjoying the learning process. Gillian has made the lessons enjoyable and she is very patient. I’m looking forward to developing my technique and musicianship with Gillian.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your encouragement Dawn. You are making good progress, may you continue to enjoy playing the clarinet. Keep up the good work.
From Heather (/5): Love my lessons, Gillian is so helpful, and patient with me since I am an absolute beginner hardly know one end of the clarinet from another. Would highly recommend her.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Heather for your kind encouraging comments.
Remember you will get out of the clarinet what you put into it. Keep staying positive and watch yourself progress.
Remember you will get out of the clarinet what you put into it. Keep staying positive and watch yourself progress.
From Mauricio (/5): Gillian has been my Alto Saxophone teacher for the past year and has done an absolutely fantastic job getting me from absolute beginner (having never played woodwind instruments before) to passing my ABSRM Grade 1 Exam with DISTINCTION.
She is incredibly patient but ensures that not only you learn how to play the instrument properly but also to understand the music you are playing.
I am very much looking forwards to the next challenge and with her support I am sure I will continue improving my Saxophone skills and knowledge.
She is incredibly patient but ensures that not only you learn how to play the instrument properly but also to understand the music you are playing.
I am very much looking forwards to the next challenge and with her support I am sure I will continue improving my Saxophone skills and knowledge.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your lovely comments Mauricio. You are a good student. I look forward to continuing with you on your saxophone journey.
From Diana (/5): I am an adult flute learner and Gillian has made the learning experience very enjoyable. I thoroughly recommend her as with all her experience, she makes learning to play the flute very exciting and satisfying with the production of beautiful sound. She is very flexible with timings of lessons too which makes a difference to a full-time working mother like me.I really look forward to my lessons.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouraging comments Diana. It is a pleasure to teach you and you are always keen to learn and always work hard.
From Aileen (/5): My daughter has been attending flute tuition with Gillian for the past term and finds the lessons professional, very enjoyable and interesting. She has been taught how to understand the music she's playing and the difference to her scale playing has been a revelation. My daughter is studying at Grade 6 level and is feeling so much more confident in her playing and really enjoying her flute again. I can completely recommend Gillian as an excellent teacher who has spent the time to work out the best way to help my daughter progress with her flute in the most enjoyable way.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your encouraging comments. Your daughter is a very good listener and works very hard to implement the changes I suggest which is why she is making such good progress.
From Evelyn (/5): As an adult beginner, Gillian has been very patient and encouraging. She has corrected my technique such that I achieved distinction in my Grade 1 sax exam. I am enjoying progressing to the next level.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your encouraging comments. You are the one who has done the work to have that success. Well done.
From Aaleen (/5): Loved my lessons with Gillian. She's super patient and very helpful and encouranging. She makes sure I understand what I need to do, and is quick to answer all my annoying questions. I am having a wonderful time learning piano with her.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Aaleen for your feedback. I trust you will continue to enjoy your lessons.
From Jodie (/5): Really enjoying my lessons so far with Gillian. As a total beginner, Gillian has been patient and encouraging with me - ensuring each skill is mastered before moving on - and makes our lessons thoroughly enjoyable. She is positive and passionate, and gives me real confidence in my progression.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you so much for your encouraging comments Jodie. As you progress you will not necessarily master a skill before moving on but rather develop the skill as you move on.
From Leslie (/5): Very happy with Gillian as a teacher
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you Leslie. You are a pleasure to teach and it is great the way you are able to bring your acquired musical knowledge from your jazz piano experience into the lesson.
From George (/5): Gillian has a wealth of experience and is an expert tutor.
She identifies where improvement is required and gives clear concise advise to improve.
First Class and highly recommended.
She identifies where improvement is required and gives clear concise advise to improve.
First Class and highly recommended.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you for your kind words George. You are a willing learner.
From Karen (/5): Learning a new skill is often a scary thing, Gillian puts you at ease from the start and explains clearly all notes and tunes you should be following. I would have no hesitation in recommending Gillian
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your kind comments. You are making steady progress. Keep up the good work Karen.
From Jacob (/5): I have had 3 lessons now from Gillian and I'm very happy with the tutoring I'm getting. I see the progress I've make in that short time! Considering I'm 52 and I've never had a piano lesson in my life before. Overall she comes highly recommended in in my opinion. You won't be disappointed. Very nice and very patient.
Looking forward to every lesson.
Thanks Gillian.
Looking forward to every lesson.
Thanks Gillian.
Reply from: Gillian: Thank you very much for your encouraging comments. I too look forward to teaching you each week and am encouraged by the way you try and do what I ask you to do each week.
Recently I performed this piece in front of other pianists in Glasgow and I noticed a different vibe to it. I used to be a nerve wreck performing in the public focusing on fear of being judged. Now I started to focus on the piece and recalling the lessons I had with Gillian forgetting I played on a 100yo grand in front of other more advanced pianists.
In general, during the lessons and practice session at home, I’d say, as a student, the most important part of learning with Gillian is being mindful, aware and honest about our problems executing certain tasks. Gillian is always helpful in finding ways for improvement and passionate about music and really care how I play, it helps me appreciate this journey more. I still need time to work on other parts of the exam. Due to the nature of my shift-work pattern, Gillian is flexible in fitting me in for lessons. Looking forward to Grade 4 exams in the Summer 2024 with Gillian as my teacher.